Bayer Leverkusen will reportedly look to sign 23-year-old English goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Kicker, as relayed by Sport Witness, James Trafford is the subject of interest from Bayer Leverkusen. The German giants are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a goalkeeper in the winter transfer window. So, the 23-year-old Manchester City shot-stopper has emerged as a target for Die Werkself.
Mark Flekken’s knee injury has forced Bayer Leverkusen to scour the market for a goalkeeper, and they have also set their sights on Stefan Ortega and Filip Jorgensen. However, Trafford can become a long-term solution between the sticks for the Bundesliga heavyweights.
What has led to James Trafford’s frustrations?
James Trafford rejoined Manchester City from Burnley in a deal worth £27 million last summer after establishing himself as one of the world’s best young goalkeepers in an excellent 2024/25 season. The 23-year-old played a leading role as Burnley returned to the Premier League by securing automatic promotion. That compelled Manchester City to re-sign the youngster six months ago.
However, Trafford has fallen in the pecking order after Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day of the summer transfer window. The English goalkeeper has managed only 810 minutes of game time in nine appearances thus far for Manchester City. So, a winter exit may be on the cards for him, with Bayer Leverkusen among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.
Bundesliga adventure on the cards?
Bayer Leverkusen’s interest in James Trafford is understandable. The Bundesliga heavyweights are scouring the market for a goalkeeper in the final days of the winter transfer window, as Mark Flekken has sustained a knee injury that will keep him in the treatment room for the foreseeable future.
Several candidates, including Stefan Ortega and Filip Jorgensen, have thus emerged on Bayer Leverkusen’s wishlist, with Trafford also a viable target. The 23-year-old may be an appealing option, as he can become a long-term solution between the sticks for Die Werkself.
However, it is unclear if Bayer Leverkusen will attempt to sign Trafford on a permanent deal or if they want a loan agreement. Meanwhile, recent reports have claimed that Manchester City will not sell the English goalkeeper in the winter transfer window, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.